Community CPTED

Sherry Carter

Al Zelinka, FAICP
For the past twenty-five years, Al Zelinka has upheld his original planning career objective: to “make a difference” in communities and the profession. He has practiced planning and delivered presentations or training in more than 28 states (plus the District of Columbia), directed more than 200 projects and played an active role in another 100, and has consistently been involved in the profession and public service throughout his career. Al Zelinka is currently an Assistant City Manager (and former Community Development Director) for the City of Riverside, California. Prior to this, he was Community Development Director (and Planning Manager) for Fullerton, California. His public service roles have resulted in transformation of organizational performance and public perception – all of which has resulted in significant new private sector investment, notable grants and awards received, broad-based community support, more empowered and skilled staff, and great inter-departmental coordination and collaboration; his service has also resulted in significant placemaking and economic development outcomes in downtown, urban corridor, and neighborhood settings. Prior to his municipal service career, he was Vice President with RBF Consulting and served as Principal of RBF Consulting's URBAN DESIGN STUDIO. He is the co-author of two American Planning Association publications, SafeScape and Placemaking on a Budget. Al is a Past President of the California Planning Roundtable, a 30+year organization dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of planning and providing leadership for a better California. Al graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Planning from Northern Arizona University in 1989 and a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University in 1991.